Heroman is an anime that stands out with its heartfelt underdog story, compelling character growth, and a power system embedded in a sci-fi mecha setting. Centered around a young protagonist who discovers a powerful ally in a giant robot, the series explores themes of courage, friendship, and overcoming adversity with a blend of action and emotional depth. Fans of Heroman often appreciate its mix of thrilling battles, evolving characters, and subtle subversion of typical hero narratives.
The following 15 underrated anime share similar core themes—whether it’s a unique power system, an underdog protagonist, or unexpected storytelling twists—and deserve more recognition for their engaging narratives and distinctive animation styles.
1. Rokka no Yuusha (2015)
- Streaming: Available on Crunchyroll
- Plot: When evil awakens, six heroes are chosen to save the world, but one among them is a traitor, turning the journey into a complex mystery.
- Similarity to Heroman: Features an ensemble of heroes with mysterious identities and betrayal, combining an underdog scenario with a suspenseful narrative that subverts typical fantasy tropes.
- Details: 12 episodes, rated 6.8 MAL; notable for its clever blend of action and whodunit storytelling, produced by Passione studio.
2. Full Metal Panic! (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A child soldier assigned to protect a high school girl navigates between mecha battles and comedic school life.
- Similarity to Heroman: Combines mecha action with character-driven storytelling, focusing on an underdog protagonist adapting to new roles.
- Details: 24 episodes; produced by Gonzo; praised for its balance of drama and humor.
3. Rave Master (2001)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Young hero Haru Glory searches for mystical stones to defeat a destructive force threatening the world.
- Similarity to Heroman: Underdog hero quest with a magical power system, adventure, and heartfelt character dynamics.
- Details: 51 episodes; Studio Deen; creator Hiro Mashima’s earlier work, often overshadowed by Fairy Tail.
4. Air Gear (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Ikki Minami becomes involved in thrilling battles using futuristic inline skates called Air Treks amid gang rivalries.
- Similarity to Heroman: Focuses on a young protagonist discovering and mastering a unique power system alongside friends, with intense action and evolving rivalries.
- Details: 25 episodes; produced by Toei Animation; notable for dynamic animation and stylized action.
5. Sonny Boy (2021)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A group of high school students with supernatural powers is transported to another dimension where they must survive and find meaning.
- Similarity to Heroman: Explores coming-of-age themes and powers in an unusual, metaphysical narrative, emphasizing character growth and group dynamics.
- Details: 12 episodes; Madhouse/Studio Deen collaboration; unique animation style and philosophical storytelling.
6. Blassreiter (2008)
- Streaming: Available on some niche platforms (check local availability)
- Plot: In a world plagued by biomechanical creatures, an underdog protagonist transforms into a powerful weapon to combat threats to humanity.
- Similarity to Heroman: Features a protagonist with evolving powers, mecha motifs, and an urban-fantasy setting with a dark tone.
- Details: 24 episodes; produced by Gonzo; praised for fluid action sequences.
7. Busou Renkin (2006)
- Streaming: Hulu (region-dependent)
- Plot: After losing a loved one, a young man gains an alchemic weapon to fight mysterious monsters.
- Similarity to Heroman: Underdog hero theme, with a unique power system based on alchemy and action-packed battles.
- Details: 26 episodes; Xebec studio; notable for energetic fight choreography.
8. Dennō Coil (2007)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Children navigate a near-future augmented reality world filled with mysteries and digital creatures.
- Similarity to Heroman: Blends sci-fi elements and technological “power systems” with coming-of-age storytelling and emotional depth.
- Details: 26 episodes; Madhouse studio; critically acclaimed for storytelling and atmosphere.
9. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Hulu, Funimation
- Plot: A fierce female warrior protects a prince targeted by assassins in a richly constructed fantasy world.
- Similarity to Heroman: Powerful yet relatable protagonist and strong emphasis on character development and a realistic take on fantasy heroism.
- Details: 26 episodes; Production I.G; award-winning for animation and narrative.
10. Akudama Drive (2020)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: In a dystopian future, criminals with unique abilities embark on a high-stakes heist that spirals out of control.
- Similarity to Heroman: Features ensemble underdogs with distinct powers and a story that subverts genre expectations with high-octane action.
- Details: 12 episodes; Studio Pierrot; praised for bold animation and intense pacing.
11. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A surreal and colorful tale of a young girl seeking her family in a wondrous, chaotic city.
- Similarity to Heroman: Unique storytelling style with magical elements, strong character bonds, and a narrative that blends fantasy and emotional growth.
- Details: 10 episodes; Trigger studio; distinctive animation and vibrant world-building.
12. Gunslinger Girl (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Young girls who are transformed into cyborg assassins struggle with their newfound power and identities.
- Similarity to Heroman: Explores the psychological and emotional development of enhanced underdogs caught in violent conflict.
- Details: 13 episodes; Madhouse studio; acclaimed for mature storytelling.
13. .hack//Sign (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A player trapped in a virtual MMORPG seeks to uncover the truth behind his inability to log out.
- Similarity to Heroman: Themes of friendship, mystery, and evolving powers in a high-tech environment.
- Details: 26 episodes; Bee Train studio; praised for atmospheric pacing.
14. Darker than Black (2007)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Contractors with supernatural powers navigate a shadowy world of espionage and moral ambiguity.
- Similarity to Heroman: Focus on characters with unique power systems and an underdog figure in a complex narrative.
- Details: 25 episodes; Bones studio; highly rated for dark tone and story depth.
15. Zetman (2012)
- Streaming: Hulu (region-dependent)
- Plot: Two young men with different backgrounds and powers face off in a battle against monstrous beings.
- Similarity to Heroman: Underdog protagonists with evolving powers, complex moral themes, and gritty action sequences.
- Details: 13 episodes; TMS Entertainment; noted for dark and mature storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for Heroman Fans
These selected anime resonate with fans of Heroman because they share core themes of underdog protagonists discovering unique powers, often framed within sci-fi or fantasy settings that blend action with emotional and character development. Many subvert common genre tropes, offering surprising twists and enriched narratives that stay with viewers beyond just epic battles. These series also feature diverse storytelling approaches—from psychological dramas to high-energy action and mystery—that appeal to a wide range of viewers who enjoyed Heroman’s balance of heart and spectacle. Their underrated status means they have been overlooked gems, ready to offer fresh and engaging experiences for anime enthusiasts seeking something beyond the mainstream.
